Home Inspection FAQs
Having performed hundreds of home inspections for different clients, most home inspectors begin to notice questions that they are asked frequently. These are questions that are usually asked by people who are buying a home, and either haven’t ever purchased a home or have only purchased one.
To help answer your questions before you get an inspection, here are common questions that buyers have about home inspections.
How Long Will the Inspection Take?
Home inspections typically last for 2 to 3 hours, however this is not always the case.
Home inspections are very specific to the home that is in question, so if the home is larger or older, it may take longer. If the home is smaller or doesn’t have very many components to it, the inspection can take less time.
It is best to plan to be there for 3 hours to be safe!
Do I Need to Be There for the Inspection?
While buyers aren’t required to attend the inspection, it is highly suggested that they attend. This is because the inspection is intended to help inform the buyer of issues within the home, and inspectors like to point out things that they find along the way.
The walkthrough is also a great opportunity to ask questions that you might have about the home, and discuss what certain defects could mean for the safety of the home.
What is Included in a Home Inspection?
A home inspection has basic things that are looked at in every home, and will be included in your inspection as well.
There are always different things that are included, but it depends on the home and what the systems of the home are.
Inspection Checklist:
- Roof
- HVAC system
- Appliances
- Foundation
- Plumbing system
- Electrical system
- Attic & basement (if applicable)
- Interior & exterior
Depending on the home inspector, they may offer additional services for an added cost – or sometimes these are included with the price of the inspection. These may include radon, pests/termites, mold, water testing, etc.
Why Do I Need a Home Inspection?
This answer is simple, a home inspection is a tool for buyers to use when they are deciding whether or not to purchase a home. Without an inspection, you could end up buying a home that has tons of hidden defects that don’t pop up until you’ve lived there for a little bit.
A home inspection costs very little compared to the price that you might potentially have to pay in repairs. This unexpected cost could have been avoided if you had known about them from the findings of a home inspection report.
While home inspections aren’t required, they are highly suggested, and not many people skip them!
